BLOOD DONATION GUIDELINES VARY FOR ANTITHROMBOTIC PATIENTS

BLOOD DONATION GUIDELINES VARY FOR ANTITHROMBOTIC PATIENTS

Published Online: Tuesday, August 1, 2006

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Treatment with antithrombotic agents may affect one's
ability to make blood donations. Because of the risk of
bleeding after blood donation, the American Red Cross
prohibits blood donation by patients on warfarin or
heparin. Donations may be resumed after treatment has
been discontinued for at least 7 days. Patients on aspirin
therapy may donate blood; however, the drug must be discontinued for 48 hours
prior to platelet apheresis. Antithrombotic agents such as ticlopidine and clopidogrel
must be discontinued for 7 days prior to apheresis.

Generally, blood donors must be healthy; must be at least 17 years old (or 16
years old if allowed by state law); must weigh at least 110 pounds; and must not
have donated blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days). Healthy is defined as feeling well
and being able to perform normal activities.

Dr. Garrett is a clinical pharmacistpractitioner at Cornerstone Health Carein High Point, NC.